LisaRose: I wonder if they have completely lost faith in the ability of the average witness to do any Witnessing or recruiting whatsoever?
I think so - and not just the average Witness, but any Witness - from GB on down. The passage of time and the internet expose' and just the general availability of info on the internet have shown all the loopholes in JW theology, brought to light the crazy, deceptive, dishonest, hypocritical JW history, etc. I used to be fearless in witnessing and thought I could outdo any opponent, but I now know that I cannot defernd JW doctrine and history. During the pre-internet days I just happened not to encounter anybody who was knowledgeable enough to counter my arguments. But things are different now.
JWs are getting dumber and dumber and their opposition is gaining more ammo against them every day. I think the days when JWs thought they could go into the field and boldly challenge doctrine and defend theirs are over. With this new situation in JWdom, the only recruits they will get in the economically and technologically superior lands are losers or social misifts or those who are lacking intellegence & knowledge.